Some records feel written in the stars. On Monday June 22, in front of a roaring crowd, Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals — and he did it at 39 years old, in what he has indicated will be his final World Cup. It is the kind of fairytale that football, at its best, occasionally delivers. Here is the story of a record that crowns one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.

The Record-Breaking Brace

Messi’s two goals against Austria, in Argentina’s 2-0 victory, took his World Cup tally to 18 — surpassing the previous record and cementing his place at the very top of the tournament’s all-time scoring charts. The goals also sealed Argentina’s place in the Round of 32 and confirmed the defending champions as Group J winners.

18 World Cup goals. The all-time record. At 39, in his final tournament. Only Messi could write an ending like this.

From Hat-Trick to History

The Austria brace came after Messi had already bagged his maiden World Cup hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria. For a player who, remarkably, had sometimes been questioned about his World Cup goalscoring earlier in his career, the 2026 tournament has been a goalscoring masterclass — a fitting final chapter to his World Cup story.

The Weight of the Achievement

To be the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history is to stand above every legend the game has produced — above Pelé, above Ronaldo (the Brazilian), above every great striker of every era. That Messi, often celebrated more as a creator and dribbler than a pure goalscorer, holds this record speaks to the completeness of his game and the longevity of his brilliance.

Argentina Build the Perfect Stage

Observers have noted that Argentina, as defending champions, built “the perfect stage” for Messi to break World Cup records in his farewell tournament. The team’s quality, combined with Messi’s enduring brilliance, has created the conditions for a fairytale — and the 39-year-old is seizing the moment with both hands.

The Final Chapter

Having already won the World Cup in 2022, Messi has nothing left to prove. He returns in 2026 not out of need but out of love for the game and a desire to give Argentina one more shot at glory. The all-time scoring record is a gift to football history — a reminder, if any were needed, that we have been privileged to watch one of the greatest players who ever lived.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many World Cup goals does Messi have?

Messi became the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 18 goals after his brace against Austria.

How old is Messi at the 2026 World Cup?

Messi is 39 years old, competing in what he has indicated is his final World Cup.

Did Messi score a hat-trick at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes — Messi scored his maiden World Cup hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria.

Key Takeaways

  • Messi became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with 18 goals at age 39.
  • His brace against Austria sealed Argentina’s place as Group J winners.
  • He scored his maiden World Cup hat-trick against Algeria earlier in the tournament.
  • The record crowns one of the greatest careers in football history in his final tournament.